Detection of <i>Neoehrlichia mikurensis</i> DNA in blood donors in southeastern Sweden
Lisa Labbé Sandelin, Jenny Olofsson, Conny Tolf, Louise Rohlén, Lars Brudin, Ivar Tjernberg, Per‐Eric Lindgren, Björn Olsén, Jonas Waldenström
Abstract
BACKGROUND: -positive donors were traced. METHODS: was performed by PCR followed by sequencing. Positive donors were interviewed and retested. Look-back was performed on positive donations and on all subsequent donations. RESULTS: -positive donations were identified. PCR was negative in seven recipients. Five recipients had died, but their medical records gave no evidence for neoehrlichiosis. CONCLUSIONS: was found in 0.7% of blood donors, transfusion-mediated infection was not detected, despite several recipients being at high risk for severe neoehrlichiosis. The results warrant further studies as well as raised clinical awareness.